Hair care implement for textured ethnic hair styles

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a multipurpose hair comb characterized by three elements; scalp cleansing, scalp massage, and hair detangling. The comb teeth are straight or curved, tapered in a specific style and are flexible but designed with resilience to meet the needs of hair grooming. The comb teeth are spaced widely as to lessen tension on the hair strands while gently facilitating passage of hair therethrough. The comb teeth contain pliability in all directions, side to side flex and upward downward bend. The tool structure is solid and resistant to harsh environmental conditions including impacts on hard surfaces. In the second rendition, a logo designed finger grip is added to the posterior comb for increased functionality and ergonomic design comfort. The posterior finger grip contains a small perforated hole intended for easy storage.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed, in general, to hair care accessories, more specifically to hair grooming devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

“The average American woman is said to spend upwards of $50,000 on hair during her lifetime. The black hair care market alone has evolved in to a $10 billion industry and continues to grow” (Davis-Sivasothy, 2011) A vast portion of hair grooming tools within today's market are designed with the straight haired individual in mind, thus mass marketing campaigns are concentrated to persons with characteristic straight, wavy, or loosely curled hair types. Afro textured haired women purchase tools potentially formulated without consideration to the natural fragility of Afro textured hair, which increases the risk for potential hair damage. “Kinky hair often appears thick, tough, and coarse, but because of its inherent physical composition, it is not as nearly as strong as it appears. Every twist, bend and curl represents a point of weakness and vulnerability along the hair fiber. Black hair requires extra care” (Davis-Sivasothy, 2011) Hence the need for a grooming tool designed solely with this delicate hair type in mind.

The solution is a tool that is strong enough to work through tangles and generate minimal breakage and the like. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention herein disclosed are uniquely focused on improving the experience of gently removing hair tangles, scalp cleansing, and scalp massage. The unique aspect of this invention is in its specific design as a multifunctional revamp of the standard wide tooth comb.

Prior art solutions are generally combs and brushes with a variety of features that distinguish them from each other and basic hair tools. In the same way, the current design includes features and embodiments that are distinguishing—and are focused on providing a tool that emphasizes scalp cleaning, scalp massage, and hair detangling.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention herein is a multi purposed renovate of the wide tooth comb and contains three elements of hair grooming; scalp cleansing, scalp massage, and hair detangling. Scalp cleansing is advantageous for elimination of product build up and scalp debris as well as creating a scalp environment that replicates the coming forth of new healthy hair follicles. Scalp massage increases blood circulation to the scalp which enhances supply of nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles that foster potential hair growth. Scalp massage integrated with oils is also therapeutic for dry or itchy scalp. This device caters to hair detangling; comb teeth gently bend in to knots, lightly separating tangled strands allowing for smooth run through. Present are six finger grips at the rear device enabling comfort grip with usage. In the second embodiment, the six finger grips are present along with an additional posterior logo designed grip, which slides in between the second and third finger at both the left and right hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right side front view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left side rear view of the present invention.

FIGS. 4-15 are views of the second configuration with logo designed posterior grip handle.

FIG. 4 is a left sided rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a left side bottom rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a right side rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a right side bottom rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a right side front view of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a right side front view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has a rounded base that rests in the palm of the hand 12. FIGS. 1 through 2, the present invention contains sixteen comb teeth 10, preferably molded of silicone, that are attached to a silicone base 14. FIG. 1 The comb teeth 10 makeup four horizontal rows, two horizontal rows contain four comb teeth 10 a, two horizontal rows contain three comb teeth 10 b, and one horizontal row contains two comb teeth 10 c. The comb teeth have narrow rounded tips 16 that broaden to the end of a widened tooth base 17, which supports tooth pliability FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Each pair adjacent teeth defines a channel 15 there between which receives hair during the combing operation. Each of these channels 15 are widely spaced in comparison to the native configuration. This expanded area 15 minimizes hair wedging between the teeth. With comb operation, teeth 10 bend gently in to tangled strands, separate, and allow for smooth run through. The comb teeth 10 have added length to accommodate thicker afro textures.

12 The spine and rear surface of the comb that which the palm and fingers rest, conform to four finger grips at the top of the structure 11 b, 11 c, 11 d, 11 e. FIG. 3 The left lower lateral finger grip 11 a is demonstrated, which accommodates the right thumb, as well as top views of the second finger grip 11 b, the third finger grip 11 c, the forth finger grip 11 d, and the fifth finger grip 11 e, at bilateral hands. FIG. 12 demonstrates the right lower lateral finger grip 11 f, which accommodates the left thumb. In the second embodiment FIG. 4, the logo designed posterior grip 13 a is illustrated. 13 c This portion of the posterior grip slides in between the second and third fingers on either hand and provides additional comfort grip with usage. 13 b demonstrates the opening at the mid posterior grip that which a string can be inserted for storage purposes.

The invention herein, upon application to the scalp, also serves as a scalp cleanser. The tool lathers shampoo with back and forth motion and friction of silicone pliable comb teeth 10 on to the scalp, simultaneously cleansing the scalp. Product distribution is conducted in a similar manner as teeth 10 maneuver, evenly distributing product through the hair strands. Back and forth, circular motions of silicone pliable comb teeth 10 on to the scalp offers massage and client relaxation. Application of hot oils encouraged to enhance this effect. The structure material may be silicone—balancing rigidity and flexibility, soft with firm.

REFERENCES

-   Davis-Sivasothy, A. (2011). The Science of Black Hair: A     Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care, Saja Publishing Company,     23, 26. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A comb comprising sixteen comb teeth, straight or curved, with side to side and upward downward bend attached to a silicone base. a. The sixteen comb teeth of claim 1 are divided in to five horizontal rows. b. The first and third rows contain four pliable comb teeth. c. The second and forth rows contain three pliable comb teeth. d. The fifth and final row contains two pliable comb teeth.
 2. The sixteen comb teeth of claim 1 contain narrow rounded tips with broad bases that taper to the end.
 3. Each pair adjacent teeth according to claim 1 defines a channel there between which receives hair during the combing operation. Each of these channels are widely spaced in comparison to the native configuration. This expanded area minimizes hair wedging between the teeth.
 4. The sixteen comb teeth claim 1 bend in to tangles, separate, and allow for smooth run through.
 5. The sixteen comb teeth of claim 1 have added length to accommodate thicker afro textures.
 6. A spine or rear surface that which the palm and fingers rest.
 7. The spine or rear surface in claim 6 conforms to four finger grips at the top of the structure. A left lower lateral finger grip accommodates the right thumb and a right lower lateral finger grip accommodates the left thumb.
 8. A second embodiment with a logo designed posterior comfort grip.
 9. Claim 8 The logo designed posterior grip containing an opening, which a string can be inserted for storage purposes.
 10. Claim 1 sixteen comb teeth cleanse the scalp with back and forth motion/friction of silicone pliable teeth on to the scalp, with added product. The comb can be utilized on wet hair.
 11. Claim 1 sixteen comb teeth provide massage with scalp application and back and forth circular motion. 